Police in Kenya have arrested a 40 year old man Peter Munene Njau for marrying a 17 year old girl, which contrary to laws of the country.

According to Lamu county Police Commander Moses Murithi said the arrest was made following the tip from the public.

It is reported that the girl who is in class 7, was married off to the old man by her parents.

Murithi added that the move to arrest parents of the girl proved futile as they went into hiding after learning that their plans to get the teenage girl married had backfired.

The police boss warned men against marrying minors, saying stern action will be taken against them.

“Acting on a tip off, my officers stormed the home where the 17-year-old girl had been married. They arrested one Peter Munene Njau who had been living with the minor as his wife in a marriage planned by parents. The man is currently in a police cell. We’re processing him for court. We’re also looking for the parents who are on the run,” said Mr Murithi.